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Wednesday, July 31, 2013

Google Friend Still Works

I thought when Google Reader disappeared, Google Friend blog follow was part of that. For those of you who haven't noticed, when you follow as Google Friend you can still see the new blogs pop up in your dashboard and you can also follow others. I didn't discover this till way too late in my blogging life!

So, if you don't already follow me one way or another and you are interested in following The Marmelade Gypsy or my book blog, Chopsticks and String, you can still do so through GoogleFriend, bloglovin' or email (those links are on my sidebar).

Construction Makes Me Crazy

This isn't a new observation, but one that has popped up often here in Michigan! By the time they finish the highway change on my route to work, I will have retired! In Michigan we have two seasons -- Winter and Under Construction. Old joke; still works. (The cherries symbolize orange barrels.)

My Garden Doesn't Deserve the Name

I've always said I loved English gardens that look all akimbo -- a mass of colors, all seemingly unrelated (but I'm smart enough to know they are always planned.)

Mine is looking like that -- only not really. Everything is popping up and it's rather pretty -- and completely out of control. I can't keep it weeded well, I can't deadhead fast enough. Still -- it makes me smile when I come home.

At least most of the herbs are in pots where they can be controlled! Of course, one still has to water...

I am More Vain than I Like to Think

When I had the shingles, I couldn't get my hair colored. There are a lot of good reasons for this and if you ever have shingles on your head you will understand them all. Going gray for awhile didn't seem so bad.

But I realize that it's really getting to me -- and not in a good way. While the halo around my hairline is interesting, it doesn't necessarily make me feel good about myself. Therefore, a long last -- Voila!

(Note to Self: If you have a hair appointment and get head shingles again, make another for six weeks out when you cancel the original so you don't have to wait and extra four to get in!)

Lizzie Cosette Is Losing Her Inner Alley Cat

And that's OK. My girl is becoming sweeter by the day -- she's even tolerating holding a little longer when we practice (which hasn't been often lately because it's too bloody hot.) And when I'm having a bad day, all I have to do is look at her and I just smile.

Every Minute I Spend at the Lake is Lovely

Well, almost every minute. Nasty squirrel damage aside! We recently celebrated Rick's birthday at the cottage.

His mom added his name to the birthday cake we bought (he'll get a real one in a later celebration -- my famous carrot/pineapple/coconut cake. This had to do for now. And it was quite delicious!

I love the simple things at the lake -- Rick playing music...

...and his bread baking!

Warm days and cool nights.

The weekend ended when I dropped them off at the family reunion at Torch Lake. Sigh. But I came back for merriment at the end of the week and I'll post about that soon!

Thursday, July 25, 2013

If you are expecting even one critical word about Vivian Swift's wonderful book "Le Road Trip: A Traveler's Journal of Love and France," stop reading and go somewhere else, because you won't get it.

In fact, I think I lack enough superlatives for this beautiful book with magical illustrations and a witty and informative text to really do it justice.

Vivian and her husband James did a month in France for their honeymoon. The book follows that journey and along the way highlights Vivian's travel guidelines, some favorite spots and some lovely observations on love and traveling together.

Best of all, every page is illustrated with her beautiful watercolors -- and I don't mean one per page -- that happens, but it's rare. We're talking lots of fabulous images.

Along the way you will discover delicious dinners, snacks, cafes and the terrific French bread...

...spots well known to those who travel to France (or long to)...

...and places that might not be on your itinerary -- yet.

You'll find delicious quotes...

...and terrific travel tips.

But most of all, you will simply swoon at a love story in words and pictures.

A late addition to this post: On Vivian's blog, she just posted how she puts her books together. It's fascinating -- check it out HERE.

(A note -- when I first got this book, Rick grabbed it before me. Later, when I had it at the lake, I found him reading and savoring it as well. It really crosses all the lines -- just so long as one loves France, art and love.)

This post is part of Paris in July. Please visit Tamara at Thyme for Tea or Karen at Bookbath for more links about the City of Light (and France, too).

I've Been Featured!

I've Been Featured!

I've Been Featured!

Thanks for including me on "Pink Saturday"

I've Been Featured!

Thanks for including me on "Sweet and Simple Fridays!"

About Gypsy!

The Marmelade Gypsy was a big orange cat who happened into my life when he was abandoned long ago and took up residence in the window well. Within a few months, he had moved inside the house and took up residence inside my heart (and on the couch, in the window, on the bed...) He was one sweet boy, the ultimate cat who served as pet therapist, executive assistant and secret keeper. He will always hold a huge spot in my heart. Goodbye, Mr. Gyps.

Lizzie Cosette

Lizzie Cosette may be neither marmelade nor a gypsy, but she is indeed a "Marmee," as the March sisters in "Little Women" referred to their mother. Found in an abandoned garage with three kittens, she was fostered until she found a new home and human to love her.

Happy Together!

Every step of the way I will walk with you and never leave you stranded. -- Rumi

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About Me

I live with the guiding principles of joy, compassion, fun, friendship, family, love, creativity and happiness. I love sharing my art, my family history, my world and equally enjoy hearing about yours.